Pyramid Review
Metamorphosis Alpha Universe RPG
Published by Fast Forward Entertainment
Written by James M. Ward
64-page saddle stitched book; $14.99
In the year of its silver jubilee, we are once again allowed to revisit one of the very first science fantasy RPGs: Metamorphosis Alpha. But then, there have been plenty of opportunities to pay the Starship Warden and its reiterations a visit over the last twenty-five years. Metamorphosis Alpha was originally released in 1976, before being superseded by the post-apocalyptic, Earth-set Gamma World in 1978. Another three editions followed, before culminating in the fourth edition sturdy paperback a decade ago, some of the rules for which show interesting similarities to Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition. Elements of the setting were also combined with first edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons in 1980 in the well-known scenario, S3: Expedition to the Barrier Peaks. TSR then took a step backwards to the original source material with From Metamorphosis Alpha to Omega, a complete setting for the somewhat innovative Amazing Engine rules, before switching back to post-apocalyptic irradiated earth for one of the last releases for the Alternity system. This proved less-than-popular, as it excised several elements from the previous versions, most notably the mutated plants and animals. Finally, as an aside and to finish off the history lesson, it could be argued that Skyrealms of Jorune falls within the Metamorphosis Alpha family, as the original Jorun . . .
This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.
Article publication date: May 17, 2002
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